This spectacular gold bell pendant brilliantly
comprises characteristics of three different
creatures: turtle, serpent and harpy eagle.
Furthermore, each one of these creatures
inhabited and represented a different level of the
natives' sacred mythological world: (1)between
water and land, (2)land only and (3)between land
and skies. Firstly, the glistening gold body is
reminiscent in shape and form of a turle's body,
as well as the legs and feet. The turtle is a
creature who lives between water and land. The
ability to inhabit the water and land had great
mythological significance to the ancient Costa
Ricans. Turtles were also revered for their shells
which were made into beautiful musical
instruments. The legs and feet of the creature
terminate into energetic serpent heads with
applied gold eyes and nostrils. Serpents are
creatures of the land and were associated with
fertility. Their swirling heads create a sense of
rhythm and movement. Lastly, the head of the
creature resembles the harpy eagle. The harpy
eagle lives between land and skies. The most
powerful eagle in the world, the harpy eagle was
clearly appreciated with high-ranking members
of society. The natives also believed that the
harpy eagle carried the souls of the dead to the
next world. The entire analogy helps us to
discover and become part of the relationship
between man and nature which silently shimmers
in all its glory and mystery before us, is
undoubtedly an exceptional work of art. It
combines the powerful forces of artistic
ingenuity with supernatural and mythical
imagery.
- (FJ.6044)
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